Bernes 149

[kosborn]

This is my third attempt at imaging this target, once at 1270mm focal length, and now twice at 550mm focal length. It's only this one that I'm happy with, probably because of the ASI2600mc camera I used (previously it was the ASI1600mm). This is Bernes 149, a reflection nebula lit by two proto stars, formed from the dust they are now lighting up. There is also a subtle emission nebula just to the right of the proto stars, not well shown here but much better seen at longer wavelengths. As usual, acquisition details and a link to a bigger version are available on Astrobin (https://www.astrobin.com/io2m32/).

Kevin

[AstroJason]

This looks awesome Kevin, really what you have done with it. Checked your astrobin for the 1270mm version. Any reason why you don't like that one?

[TrevorW]

Interesting :)

[kosborn]

Thanks Jason. I didn't like the long focal length version because the dust isn't well defined enough, the whole colour hue is wrong and the reflection nebula just isn't displayed well enough. I'm planning to redo that version and also add some Ha to try to highlight the subtle emission nebula. I've only seen one other version that did justice to the emission nebula.

[kosborn]

Haha, thanks Trevor!

[Benjamin]

Beautiful image. Love those blue reflection regions sitting above the dust. Wondering what the sky conditions are like where you took this? Bortle? I’ve never tired the dark nebula given proximity to Brisbvegas central.

[kosborn]

Thanks Ben. I live in suburban Canberra at about Bortle 5, but I live on a battleaxe block and back onto a reserve so that helps a bit. I guess living where you live makes imaging the dark stuff challenging!

[Benjamin]

Not sure how difficult it is here so might just have to try it out! Inspiring to see this is from Bortle 5 though :-)

[rmuhlack]

Wow. These dark nebula shots of your (this one included) are stunning. My site is around Bortle 4, so I'm going to add this to the list for sure :thumbsup:

[kosborn]

Thanks Richard. At Bortle 4, I'm sure you'd pick up some great dark nebulae.

[Dave882]

Love this mate- kinda looks like you’ve captured a rift in space! :)

[kosborn]

Thanks David. Now that you mention it, I agree , it does look like a rift. It doesn't have a popular name so maybe it should be called the Rift Nebula..? :question: :)

[Retrograde]

Great image Kevin, and very well done from Bortle 5. :thumbsup:

[kosborn]

Thanks Pete. Much appreciated!

[Addos]

I like the decision not to cut the background black point harder and the colour tone is very pleasing. well done!

[kosborn]

Thanks Adam. Setting the black point was a careful decision. The most dense dust shows where the black point needs to be. If I'd done it differently it wouldn't have been accurate and I would have lost detail in the more subtle dust elsewhere.

[strongmanmike]

Lovely subtle and delicate bit of dust in the Milky Way that, hovering in a mass of tiny stars and the bit of blue nebula in the middle really anchors the image :thumbsup:

Mike

[kosborn]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate the comment! The way you've phrased it makes it sound like you've been reviewing astro photos... :lol:

[strongmanmike]

Hmmm?..I interpret your response in a positive way, it reflects nicely on your likely intention to display measured but intentially sharp witty humour.

Mike :D

[kosborn]

Haha, yes, certainly a positive response. Perhaps I should have said judging images, rather than reviewing images. ;)

I checked the Australian photographic prize website but didn't see any announcements. I'm guessing you have a winner? Will the images be published? It would be nice to see what was submitted.

[strongmanmike]

Andy has started a thread here:

https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=206196


Mike :thumbsup: